The Virginia Department Of Forestry - Shaping Virginia's Forests

Dry Hydrants Support Rural Firefighters

Water is a precious commodity to firefighters, who know how to make a little go a long way. Firefighters in rural areas use “dry fire hydrants” to make use of local water sources. The Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) and the Department of Forestry (VDOF) work together to make sure firefighters have access to this community resource.

A dry fire hydrant is a non-pressurized pipe system permanently installed in existing lakes, ponds and streams that provides a suction supply of water to a fire department truck. These vehicles attach hoses to a dry fire hydrant and pump water out for use at a fire.

Communities can apply now for grant funding from VDOF to add a dry fire hydrant to their area. The Dry Fire Hydrant Grant Program application deadline is March 31.

"The dry fire hydrant provides a more reliable connection between fire department equipment and a body of water,” said John Miller, VDOF director of resource protection. “The location of these dry fire hydrants undoubtedly reduces travel time, which in turn provides firefighters with a better chance to save more lives and property.”

Virginia’s Dry Fire Hydrant Grant Program is funded by the General Assembly through the Virginia Fire Programs Fund. VDOF administers the annual program’s $100,000 allocation, ensuring 100-percent of it goes into the installation or repair of hydrants. To date, the program has provided 1,568 dry fire hydrants to communities across the Commonwealth.

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2012 General Assembly: Significant Bills affecting the Virginia Department of Forestry

Dry Hydrant Grant Applications are now being accepted. Deadline: March 31. I want to learn about this grant opportunity >>>>.

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Last modified: Wednesday, 25-Jan-2012 09:00:49 EST